Dozens of researchers, doctors and other health workers are to be honoured by the Queen.

Among the better known figures in the UK medical scene to receive a knighthood are Professor Roddy MacSween, who said he was "naturally delighted" at the recognition of his career.

He retired as a consultant pathologist, based in Glasgow, last September but remained as president of the Royal College of Pathologists until November and as chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges until earlier this month.

He added: "I have never been ambitious. I just kept being asked to do things and then I think I did them fairly well and so I was asked to do other things. Essentially I suppose I am a workaholic.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my professional life and I wouldn't change a thing."

Another key knighthood is for one of the leading lights behind the Cochrane Collaboration - Dr Iain Chalmers.

The collaboration, and the UK Cochrane Centre, founded in 1993, collects the results of medical research from around the globe so that UK doctors have the latest evidence at their fingertips.

Previously, they would have needed to trawl through hundreds of academic papers to get the information, a lengthy business which might prevent some busy doctors keeping up to date with the latest methods.

A spokesman for the centre said: "He played a key role in the establishment of the collaboration. This is a personal award, but he feels that it is also recognises the work the centre does as a whole."

Dr John Chisholm will be made a CBE

Also honoured is Dr John Chisholm, the chairman of the GP's Committee at the British Medical Association. He is to be made a CBE.

Dr Chisholm said : "I am honoured and delighted to receive this award. I feel that it recognises not just my work but the work of the GPC and the support I have received from the staff and members of the Committee and the BMA."

Dr Chisholm has been chairman of the GPC since 1997 and is a GP in Twyford, Berkshire.

Here are the rest of the honours:

Knighthood:

Dr Iain Geoffrey Chalmers, director, UK Cochrane Centre (Oxford)

Graham Morgan, executive director of nursing and quality, North West London Hospitals NHS Trust